culture (Page 3)

Tokyo’s beckoning cat temple asks foreign tourists to stop writing on the beckoning cats they buy

Gotokuji claims the figurines are “sacred.”

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Dragon reformation and the largest clay Budda in Japan: A visit to Okadera Temple【Photos】

Okadera Temple is also known as the “Dragon Lid Temple.”

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Ancient temple with National Treasures is a hidden gem on the Nara Yamato Four-Temple Pilgrimage

Murouji has a fascinating history, with stunning sights that’ll linger in your heart long after you visit. 

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Japanese city encouraging visitors and locals to cosplay as ninja for annual Ninja Festa

Home of the Iga ninja clan staging annual celebration of its shinobi heritage.

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Two things to do, and two things not to do, when leaving a traditional Japanese inn

Ryokan workers share the little things they appreciate travelers doing before check-out, and the things they’d rather you skip.

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Kyoto’s 100 Demons yokai monster parade returns!

Spirits from traditional folklore will once again take over Taishogun Shotengai for the night.

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“Half-naked men only in loincloths” drum battle returns to Hida festival for first time in five years

Festival of motion and stillness reinstates hours-long drum procession/shoving match.

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American comedian Jimy Kimmel was blown away by Japan’s bathrooms【Video】

“It’s like the whole country is Disneyland, and we’re living at Six Flags.”

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Century-old Hiroshima brewery in one of Japan’s three great sake-brewing spots offers tours in English

Stepping into sake history in Saijo.

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The mysterious case of the horrifying sign on a cemetery wall in Tokyo

Ominous eye and promise to “develop special abilities” leads to a hunt for clues around the city.

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Why do Japan’s noisy-gulp drink commercials exist, and are they gross?【SN24 reader survey】

We asked your opinions about this long-standing, big-gulping tradition.

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Is Japan’s custom of slurping noodles irritating, and why do they do it?【SN24 reader survey】

Foreign traveler’s comment about soba slurping sparks some slurping soul searching, and the SoraNews24 reader community weighs in.

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American ehomaki? Searching for lucky Setsubun sushi rolls in the U.S.【Taste test】

Looking for a taste of home-away-from-home while back home.

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Japan’s Setsubun Bean-Throwing Bazooka is so powerful demons won’t dare come near you

Taking Japanese customs of demon-vanquishing to impressive new levels.

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It’s time to throw beans and banish demons! A look at family Setsubun traditions in Japan

From ogre teachers to desserts in the dark, the SoraNews24 team shares their Setsubun styles.

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Japan has a set phrase for the crazy busy feeling we all get at the start of the year

If you’re shocked that January is almost over, Japanese has a phrase for that.

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Shinto shrine naked festival ritual asks men to cover up for first time in three-century history

Loincloths at least, gentlemen, says shrine in change of policy in how to ask the gods for a good harvest and plenty of fish.

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Japanese model’s revealing outfit prompts debate about appropriate Coming of Age Ceremony attire

Kimono and suits are the standard clothing choice for this annual event, but this model chose something much skimpier.

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Kitakyushu’s Seijinshiki Coming-of-Age Ceremony: Where new adults go wild with outlandish kimono

Japanese style usually errs on the conservative side, but not at this ceremony. 

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Why Sensoji temple in Asakusa is better at night

One of Tokyo’s most historic areas is even more spectacular without the crowds.

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